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An Exercise in Self-Indulgence

A Little Abstract Expressionism – Red Abstract (Two Versions)

Posted on 2025-12-22 By RB

A while back, I was asked to paint a canvas for an art show with the theme of “Red”. I played around with a few ideas and splashed acrylics on a few practice pages before I settled on an idea. I wanted to keep it simple, emphasize the main color, but still have a little whimsey about it. 

I ended up with two canvases that I liked, but I couldn’t decide which one I preferred. They are basically the same image, but with a few slight differences. I’d like to know which one you prefer.

Both are done on 11″x14″ stretched canvas frames. I used brushes, palette knives, a lid from a storage container (for the circle), and some paper towels. 

Red-Abstract-1
Red-Abstract-2
RB

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Comments (24)

  1. Pingback: The Finding – Book Quotes (Mostly) Out of Context
  2. Dawn says:
    2025-12-23 at 7:30 am

    I totally may be over thinking this, but they kind of look like the start of a series. The circle is a balloon, tethered by the 3 lines to one of the tall buildings in the first image. The second one makes me think of a storm rolling in and the balloon slipping from its mooring lines.

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    1. RB says:
      2025-12-23 at 12:33 pm

      You’re not overthinking it in any way! Art is open to interpretation and I think your perspective is fascinating. I see that now, so thank you for sharing. 🙂

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  3. swabby429 says:
    2025-12-23 at 5:13 am

    The first one appeals to me intuitively. Both seem to depict a living organism, and the first image appears more dynamic.

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    1. RB says:
      2025-12-23 at 12:34 pm

      Very cool view, Swabby. I was trying to add some life to it, and I’m glad it shows.

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  4. Jasper Hoogendam says:
    2025-12-22 at 10:27 pm

    I would choose the one with the red in varied texture. Whether it speaks to numbing fear or fierce , there is an energy that is conveyed with the texture.

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    1. Jasper Hoogendam says:
      2025-12-22 at 10:28 pm

      …numbing fear or fierce love…

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      1. RB says:
        2025-12-23 at 12:35 pm

        I’m glad you picked up on the energy in these pieces, particularly the more textured piece. I can’t say if it’s love, fear, or something else. I’ll leave that to the viewer.

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  5. wrookieschu says:
    2025-12-22 at 9:42 pm

    Both are great but I prefer the first one for a reason unknown.

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    1. RB says:
      2025-12-23 at 12:36 pm

      Interesting…I wonder if it’s the cleaner background and lines. Thanks for stopping by, Wayne!

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      1. wrookieschu says:
        2025-12-23 at 1:33 pm

        Possibly! It’s really a great piece Richard.

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  6. aparnachillycupcakes says:
    2025-12-22 at 11:51 am

    Richard , I loved both the painting.
    But the second one has my heart –

    Lines for the second one :
    Painting of red emotions invested
    The haziness I feel I can now finally see
    It was strokes of life in black and white
    That helped it deeply strike !!
    Love and warmth
    Aparna 🌷✨

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    1. RB says:
      2025-12-23 at 12:36 pm

      Oh, that’s incredibly kind of you, Aparna! Your words are a perfect caption for that piece. Thank you so much. 🪷

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  7. Yeah, Another Blogger says:
    2025-12-22 at 9:37 am

    I like them both. They project a feeling of innocence. To me, anyway.

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    1. RB says:
      2025-12-22 at 11:08 am

      Thank you! I like your interpretation of these pieces. I really hadn’t considered that, but now I see it, as well.

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  8. Andrea says:
    2025-12-22 at 7:56 am

    Oh wow, how cool! Red is such an impactful color!
    Both representing love and terror.
    There is simplicity in the paintings, yet I feel like there are could be multiple stories behind it!

    I like both equally, but it could change it depending on my mood.
    The smooth background seems to be calmer themed. The other feels more horror themed.
    And by now you know I like the “darker stuff”. 😉

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    1. RB says:
      2025-12-22 at 11:12 am

      LOL, I like your perspective on the two, Andrea. I was going for simplicity, but hoping people would be able to see more beneath the surface.
      And I agree, the smooth background is calmer, while the mix of red and black on the other gives it a certain…eeriness. 💀

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  9. Hitomi says:
    2025-12-22 at 6:55 am

    I prefer the picture above.🤩💕💕
    The clearer lines create a stranger contrast, which I like better.🥰🎵🎶🎶

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    1. RB says:
      2025-12-22 at 11:10 am

      I appreciate your input, Hitomi, and I’m glad you like that painting. Thank you for stopping by! 🌷

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  10. equipsblog says:
    2025-12-22 at 6:48 am

    What Sheree said. Great job.

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    1. RB says:
      2025-12-22 at 11:09 am

      Many thanks, Pat!

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  11. Sheree says:
    2025-12-22 at 6:46 am

    TBH Richard, I like them both equally. I’d do a third one for a threesome.

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  12. Sheree says:
    2025-12-22 at 6:45 am

    TBH Richard, I like them both equally. I’d do another one so that you have a threesome.

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    1. RB says:
      2025-12-22 at 11:09 am

      Not a bad idea, Sheree! Thanks for the suggestion. 🙂

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